Having your offer accepted is exciting, but it is also when the real work begins. Many buyers assume the hard part is over once a seller says yes. In reality, acceptance marks the start of a structured process with deadlines, decisions, and many moving parts.

Understanding what happens after your offer is accepted helps reduce stress, avoid surprises, and keep the transaction on track.

Step 1: The Contract Becomes Binding

Once all parties have signed the offer and acceptance is communicated, you are officially under contract.

At this point:

The agreed-upon price and terms are locked in
The escrow timeline begins
Deadlines tied to contingencies start counting

This is when the transaction shifts from negotiation to execution.

Step 2: Earnest Money Is Deposited

Shortly after acceptance, the buyer deposits earnest money into escrow.

Earnest money:

Shows good faith
Is held by a neutral third party

This money is protected by contingencies during the contingency period.

Step 3: Escrow Is Opened

Escrow is the neutral process that manages paperwork, funds, and closing logistics.

During escrow:

Documents are collected and tracked
Funds are held securely
Instructions are followed according to the contract

Escrow does not represent either party. Their role is administrative, not advisory.

Step 4: Inspections and Due Diligence Begin

This is often the busiest part of the transaction.

Buyers typically:

Schedule property inspections
Review disclosures and reports
Investigate permits, boundaries, and condition

Inspections are meant to inform, not guarantee perfection. Every home has findings. The goal is to understand what you are buying, not to find a flawless property.

Step 5: Negotiations May Resume

If inspections reveal issues, buyers may request repairs, credits, or price adjustments.

At this stage:

Some requests are reasonable
Others may not align with the contract or market norms
Not all findings lead to renegotiation

This is where experience and judgment matter. The goal is resolution, not escalation.

Step 6: The Appraisal Is Ordered

If the purchase involves financing, the lender orders an appraisal.

The appraisal:

Confirms value for the lender
Protects the loan, not the buyer or seller
Can influence next steps if value differs from price

A low appraisal does not automatically end a deal, but it may require adjustments or additional decisions.

Step 7: Loan Approval Moves Forward

While inspections and appraisal are happening, the lender finalizes the loan.

Buyers are typically asked to:

Provide updated documents
Avoid large purchases or credit changes
Maintain stable employment and finances

This phase can feel repetitive, but it is standard.

Step 8: Contingencies Are Removed

Once inspections, appraisal, and loan conditions are satisfied, contingencies are removed.

Removing contingencies:

Signals commitment to move forward
Limits exit options
Shifts the transaction closer to closing

This step should only happen when buyers feel fully informed and comfortable.

Step 9: Final Walkthrough

Before closing, buyers complete a final walkthrough.

This ensures:

The property is in agreed-upon condition
Repairs (if any) were completed
No new issues have arisen

It is not another inspection, but a confirmation.

Step 10: Signing and Closing

At the end of escrow:

Buyers sign loan and closing documents
Funds are transferred
Ownership is officially recorded

Once recording occurs, the transaction is complete and keys are handed over.

Common Misconceptions

A few things buyers often misunderstand:

“Accepted means guaranteed.”
Deals can still change or fall apart during escrow.
“Inspections are only for big problems.”
Inspections are informational, not pass/fail.
“My agent controls everything.”
Many parties are involved, each with specific roles.

Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations.

Blog

What Happens After Your Offer Is Accepted